PZL-104 Wilga 35A, G-BWDF

Summary:

The aircraft had completed a banner towing operation and was returning to land. The banner was dropped uneventfully but as the aircraft climbed and turned left to enter the circuit the pilot heard a thump and felt the aircraft ‘stagger’ in the air. Control response was normal; the pilot made an abbreviated circuit and a normal landing. After landing an inspection showed the pitot tube had detached and the right front wing spar had broken.